Diabetes warning: The fruit that can cause ‘highly significant’ drop in blood sugar
DIABETICS are constantly walking a fine line between keeping their blood sugar levels not too high and not too low.
Research has found certain food and drinks that can help if you need to lower glucose levels or bump them up slightly.
With type 1 diabetes, a person’s pancreas produces no insulin, but in type 2, cells in the body become resistant to insulin.
This means a greater amount of insulin is needed to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range.
A study published in the International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences looked into the effect a daily apple has, on people who struggle to keep their blood sugar down.
It investigated the effect of the fruit on fasting blood sugar (the level following an overnight fast) and lipid (blood fats) levels in type 2 diabetics.
Just under 100 people with the disease were split into two groups - one who would have an apple each day and another who wouldn't.
The sugar and lipid levels were measured at the start, and after four weeks on the diet regime.
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After four weeks of having a daily apple, researchers noted a "highly significant" drop in fasting blood sugar levels.
This was the same for people in that group of all ages and genders.
Not only were blood sugar levels lowered, but bad cholesterol and fat levels had also decreased.
The researchers found: "Present study revealed that one medium size apple in diet of Type II diabetics reduces the fasting blood sugar levels and lipid parameters which are beneficial for normal health of diabetics along with anti-diabetic drugs."
Diabetes UK says: "It is important that you control your blood glucose levels as well as you can as too high sugar levels for long periods of time increases the risk of diabetes complications developing.
"Having high blood sugar levels regularly is not something you should live with. This is because in the long-term it can increase your risk of developing diabetes complications, such as neuropathy and retinopathy.
"If you notice that your blood sugar levels are often high, (above 10mmol) you should contact your diabetes healthcare team. They will review your treatment and provide you with advice on how to get your blood sugar levels back within your target range."
While it's good to know how to bring down your blood sugar when it is too high, it's also vital to know what to do when it's too low.
A piece of fruit like half a banana, half a cup of fruit juice, a couple of sweets like Jelly Babies or a small glass of milk can help.
If you are struggling to regulate your blood sugar levels, speak to your GP and they can help.